Release Date: August 15, 2008
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Major Back-to-School Immunization Clinics to be Held
August 16 event planned for Crossroads Mall; Alamodome is site for August 19 clinic
Metro Health and University Health System are holding two major back-to-school immunization clinics as the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year draws near. Parents who did not take advantage of the summer months to get immunizations or do not have a primary care provider are strongly encouraged to bring their children to one of the clinics if their vaccinations are not current.
“Children must have up-to-date immunizations before they can be enrolled in school or daycare,” said Dr. Fernando Guerra, director of health, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. “This is not an individual school or district decision. It is State law and is intended to protect children from the spread of diseases that are vaccine preventable.”
The two clinics are scheduled for Saturday, August 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Crossroads Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd., and Tuesday, August 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Alamodome, 100 Montana. Parking at both events is free and is available in Lot A at the Alamodome. Parents are asked to bring their children’s current immunization record and CHIP or Medicaid card, if applicable.
Local school districts start class on August 25. Children who do not have up-to-date immunizations will not be able to attend until the vaccinations are made current.
In addition to vaccinations, parents should insure they have a copy of their child’s birth certificate for school enrollment. Those documents, if needed, can be obtained at Metro Health’s Vital Stats division at 719 S. Santa Rosa or through any City Community Link Service Center. Residents can call 311 for the nearest location.
For children in need of immunizations, the potentially life-saving shots also are available at several community and walk-in clinics or the following two Metro Health clinics:
Main Immunization Center
345 W. Commerce
(210) 207-8894
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 1st 50 walk-ins
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., by appointment only
Goodwill Clinic (by appointment only)
727 N.W. Loop 410 (at Blanco)
(210) 525-0059
Hours:
Monday – Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
and 1:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
For more information about vaccination requirements, a list of vaccine preventable diseases, or more details on communitywide immunization clinics, visit http://www.sanantonio.gov/health/Immunizations.html or call the Immunizations Division at 207-8790.
